I'm in the planning stage of my first bass build. I would l'd like to do a four string fretless. I am considering a wooden bridge/tailpiece.
Has this been done? Am I getting in over my head? Please help before I get in deep water.

Something Like this?

They're not difficult to make at all, but they seem to be unpopular. Someone else would probably do better explaining.

Something Like this?

That is cool! Possibly simpler.

The main reason I would consider them to be unpopular is because it generally makes grounding to all of the strings a lot harder (unless you have a metal nut).

It seems that with many active preamps, you don't have to ground the strings... still haven't figured that one out, exactly.

I don't think my es-175 copy has the strings grounded.

From the how-to section....
wood bridge tutorial (http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=337912) ...

That one is great, but it could be done simpler.


Matt

I make the simplest of wooden bridges... fine adjustability is nice, but I've found that I can intonate to within 5 cents just by rough0placing a straight bridge, and then I file in some compensation from there.

Also, I think they just look more organic and clean.

http://www.sdbguitars.com/wenge_short_scale_small.jpg

::EDIT:: Of course, if you change string guages, you have to move the bridge around a bit, but since it's floating, it's not a bit issue.

It seems that with many active preamps, you don't have to ground the strings... still haven't figured that one out, exactly.

+1, that's exactly it. With active pre, the length of unbuffered signal is very short and can be done with co-ax. So there's much less opportunity for interference to hit your signal. I've only had to ground strings if using vintage design pups, or passive basses.

Here's a solution that solves the grounding issues well. I did use existing Hipshot saddles the rest is Wenge and Ziricote.
I ran a wire to the bottom of the one screw and that then contacts the copper sheet.
http://www.malabass.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=537&g2_serialNumber=1
I think it sounds great, good luck.
Dirk

That is a damn sexy bass...!

I make the simplest of wooden bridges... fine adjustability is nice, but I've found that I can intonate to within 5 cents just by rough0placing a straight bridge, and then I file in some compensation from there.

Also, I think they just look more organic and clean.

http://www.sdbguitars.com/wenge_short_scale_small.jpg

::EDIT:: Of course, if you change string guages, you have to move the bridge around a bit, but since it's floating, it's not a bit issue.

I make the simplest of wooden bridges... fine adjustability is nice, but I've found that I can intonate to within 5 cents just by rough0placing a straight bridge, and then I file in some compensation from there.

Also, I think they just look more organic and clean.

http://www.sdbguitars.com/wenge_short_scale_small.jpg

::EDIT:: Of course, if you change string guages, you have to move the bridge around a bit, but since it's floating, it's not a bit issue.

Gorgeous! So what kind of piezo pickup would you install in a bass like that? Clearly that's your only option, and I'm guessing it'd have to fit under the bridge and use the string pressure to get it up and running.... or am I way off base?

I just read your build log on that one, did you ever put magnetic p'ups in it?

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=351674

I just read your build log on that one, did you ever put magnetic p'ups in it?

Link, please.... :)

LOL... wow, that's a lot of interest, all of a sudden. Let me see if I can address your questions

That is a damn sexy bass...!

Thanks!

Gorgeous! So what kind of piezo pickup would you install in a bass like that? Clearly that's your only option, and I'm guessing it'd have to fit under the bridge and use the string pressure to get it up and running.... or am I way off base?

I just read your build log on that one, did you ever put magnetic p'ups in it?

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=351674

Link, please.... :)

I actually installed a MM pickup in it. The scale is short enough and the string spacing just narrow enough that the pole pieces don't quite line up on the E string, but it sounds balanced when I plugged it in. I'm going to record a cew clips sometime this week, and link them in the original thread.

I considered a piezo pickup, and if I was to do that, I'd laminate it into the bridge, so that it was close to the strings. I might even have used a bone saddle at that point.

I was installing the electronics last night, and I had to route a little deeper in the control cavity (my volume pot had a short shaft). While doing this, the router bit *moved* in the collet, and it it punched right through the top. I almost had a fit.

I made a top-mounted wooden control cover (a la Carl Thompson), but it wouldn't have been my *first* choice, that's for sure.

I'll update the thread here in a day or so, with pictures, sound clips, etc.

What kind of piezo might you have considered? I have a bass that might need something like that...

What kind of piezo might you have considered? I have a bass that might need something like that...

Likely I'd disassemble a GHOST setup and use those. I've heard that you get better string definition if you use a separate element for each string. On the other hand, I might have just gone with a standard element (maybe even something initially designed for acoustic guitar) embedded just under the surface of the bridge, or under a bone saddle.

Likely I'd disassemble a GHOST setup and use those. I've heard that you get better string definition if you use a separate element for each string. On the other hand, I might have just gone with a standard element (maybe even something initially designed for acoustic guitar) embedded just under the surface of the bridge, or under a bone saddle.

Would something like this involve cutting the bridge apart lengthwise (like a hot dog bun, maybe?) and installing it, then gluing it back together?

I fear my questions are worthless without pics... I wish my camera was working...

this wooden bridge with a single piezo saddle sounds 'pretty nice'

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b253/Rodent65/Basses/MiscProjects/SemiHollowP/P1010691.jpg

a little bit of a pain to get the saddle just right, but then I haven't set up many acoustics before so I had a learning curve to getting it all right on the first try with that piezo saddle

all the best,

R

That is one beautiful bass, Rodent. :)

The bridge on my hollow Wishbass has a bridge like the one Shawn built, though. And I definitely want a bridge with a piezo in this bass.

Any ideas?

My wooden bridges are generally laminated layers (mostly for aesthetic purposes). I would just laminate the piezo between layers.

How would you run the connection from the piezo to the electronics? I'm picturing a hole in the bottom part of the bridge that runs down...

Bump.

How would you run the connection from the piezo to the electronics? I'm picturing a hole in the bottom part of the bridge that runs down...

Pretty much, yes... you would have to locate the proper intonation point, and probably fix the bridge there (as opposed to leaving it floating). You would have to have a channel for the wiring from the piezo to the preamp/control cavity.